London, capital of both England and the UK, is one of the most vibrant, multicultural and exciting cities in the world. In fact, it has been described as the multicultural centre of Europe and its 7 million inhabitants speak 300 different languages between them. For a visiting international student, London quite simply has it all.
London has a very rich historical, cultural and sporting heritage. You can visit world-famous attractions such as Buckingham Palace (home of Queen Elizabeth II), the Houses of Parliament, the ancient Tower of London and the thoroughly modern sky-scrapers at Canary Wharf. Maybe you will be able to see them all at once if you ride 135 metres above the city on the famous London Eye, the world's tallest observation wheel.
Many attractions in London are free, but student discounts apply for many others and also for travel around the city.
Travel
Although the locals like nothing more than to complain about it, the public transport system in London is among the best in the world. The underground, or ‘tube’, services most parts of the city. The overland rail services and bus routes are also excellent ways to get around. Most tube lines run until just after midnight, and start again after 5am. The buses run on similar times, but also run a reduced night time service.
Eating Out
Eating out in London is an exciting experience. As one of the world’s most multicultural cities, London has a vast variety of food and cuisines, from Thai to Indian, and from African to Korean. It also suits most wallets! London has a large student population and provides for every income.
Places to Visit
There are the world-renowned Tate and National Galleries, and thousands of other galleries, museums, concert halls, restaurants and cinemas for you to visit. Sports enthusiasts will also be spoilt for choice. Cricket lovers will be drawn to the iconic Lord’s cricket ground, while rugby fans will enjoy a trip to Twickenham. A number of premiership football teams play in the capital, and the monumental new 90,000-seat Wembley stadium in north London will take your breath away. There are also plenty of opportunities to play sports in the city. World famous groups and DJ’s play in London on a nightly basis. With areas like Camden, and Hoxton boasting an influential and vibrant youth culture, there is no shortage of things to do on a Friday night!
London on a Budget
Travel in London offers substantial discounts for a student. A monthly travel card currently costs 30% less than an adult card. There are many other discounts to be taken advantage of as a student. Especially on large expenditures like council tax.
Shopping
London is famous for its fashion. You can buy designer labels in Kensington or the West End, or you can head to one of the famous London markets, like Green Street, Camden, or Spitalfields. The market and stores sell new and second-hand clothes, arts, crafts, ethnic knick-knacks, jewellery, bric-a-brac, furniture, designer clothes, army surplus gear, records, 1960s clothing: a bit of everything.
Sport
London will be hosting the Olympic Games in 2012. Much of the infrastructure for this exciting event is already under construction, including new transport routes and state-of-the-art sporting venues. For this reason it is an exciting time for you to come and live in London – and especially to study so near to the heart of such a major world event.
